Why Do Pigeons Coo? Pigeon Cooing Noise In the Morning?

Pigeons are the most common birds that often grace our urban landscapes. While, unfortunately, many birds are extinct due to urbanization; Pigeons, surprisingly, are still there. Due to their peculiar behavior, these birds have long fascinated ornithologists and casual observers. One of their characteristics that fascinate people the most is the melodious Cooing calls. This often soothing sound, particularly during the early morning hours, feels like music to the ears. But have you ever wondered why Pigeons Coo, especially during the morning hours? But what prompts these birds to produce such distinctive vocalizations, particularly in the early hours of the morning? If you are curious enough, read the article until the end. 

This comprehensive article explores the intriguing world of pigeon communication. We move forward to unravel the reasons behind their cooing rituals. From courtship and territorial displays to social bonding and navigation, pigeons employ a diverse array of cooing patterns. Join us as we discover why Pigeons choose to Coo, and that too at their preferred time. Let’s get started:

Why Do Pigeons Coo in the Morning?

Pigeons make a distinct cooing sound that feels like music to the ears. Pigeons coo all the time, and they really don’t get quiet until disturbed. Especially the cooing sound of Pigeons becomes more noticeable during the morning hours due to the quietness in the environment. Pigeons coo early in the morning due to several reasons. These reasons/purposes can either be rooted in their biology or natural behavior. For instance:

1. Pigeons Coo during early morning hours primarily to establish their territory. Through their vocalizations, pigeons communicate with other birds, assert their presence, and thus defend their chosen area. By Cooing in the morning for territorial display, Pigeons try to prevent conflicts and maintain order within their flock.
2. Another reason why Pigeons Coo in the morning is due to courtship and breeding behavior. Pigeons use their Cooing behavior to attract mates. Their rhythmic and soothing cooing sound is a way of communication for their readiness for reproduction. The sound acts as a form of seduction and strengthens the pair bonding between mates.
3. Pigeons Coo in the morning to communicate and coordinate within their flock. By doing so, they establish companionship, exchange information about food sources, and reinforce social bonds.
4. Pigeons Coo in the morning simply when they are happy, secure, and comfortable. The birds are happy living in your surrounding and thus are lovingly making the Coo sound.
5. Less likely with a melody, but Pigeons also Coo when they feel stressed or afraid. However, at times of potential danger, Pigeons are more likely to start grunting.

The cooing behavior in pigeons plays a crucial role in their survival, reproduction, and cohesive group dynamics.

Why Do Pigeons Coo in the Night?

Pigeons aren’t particularly nocturnal, but it isn’t uncommon for them to Coo at night. Pigeons are predominantly active during the day, but they can naturally Coo at night as well. This behavior, however, may serve various purposes and can be attributed to specific behaviors and circumstances. For instance:

1. Pigeons are social creatures, and they may coo at night to contact and communicate with others in the flock. This behavior is more like an act of keeping the group together during the night, especially since the visibility is limited. By cooing at night, pigeons ensure the unity of their flock.  
2. Some pigeons also coo at night for the purpose of mate attraction and courtship. Pigeons utilize their cooing calls at night to express their readiness for reproduction and to attract potential mates just like they do during the daytime. It is more likely the peacefulness after dark that amplify the resonance of their coos.
3. Or, pigeons may coo at night due to environmental factors. Conditions like urban structures and artificial lighting often disrupt the circadian rhythm of pigeons resulting in increased activity and vocalizations after dark.

Although even when pigeons can be active during night hours, their cooing in the dark isn’t as intense as during day time. Pigeons are more likely to choose to rest during the night hours and reserve their energy for the next day. But still, if you find Pigeons cooing at night, don’t be surprised.

Is It Normal for Pigeons to Coo at Night?

Although pigeons are primarily diurnal, it is completely normal for them to coo during night hours. Naturally, pigeons coo only during daylight hours. However, due to increasing environmental factors like artificial lighting and noise pollution, the circadian rhythms of pigeons are disrupted, resulting in nighttime coo-ing. 

Pigeons often tend to coo at night until when humans are awake and functioning around. These birds usually go quiet once the atmosphere is dark and quiet. By then, pigeons choose to rest and rejuvenate for the next day. 

Is Pigeon Cooing Considered Good or Bad?

According to Vastu, Pigeons are devotees of Goddess Lakshmi and symbolize happiness and peace. In South Asian countries, especially India, it is auspicious when pigeons enter someone’s house.

Since Pigeons are considered a form of love, when they Coo around your house very often, it symbolizes that luck is favoring you in terms of love. The significance behind the same is since Pigeons can reproduce throughout their life, they are a good omen for love. Pigeons cooing in the first phase means you are going to receive some profit. Whereas when Pigeons coo in the third phase, it means marriage or love is on the charts.

However, whether these claims are true or just a myth is a mere part of one’s belief.

Sounds And Noises Pigeons Make

Pigeons have a diverse range of sounds and noises they make, each with its own meaning and purpose. 

Here are different sounds that pigeons commonly make: 

1. Cooing: Cooing is the most common and well-known sound made by pigeons. This soft, rhythmic, and repetitive vocalization feels like music to the ears, especially during the peace of early morning hours. Pigeons cooing is also associated with courtship behavior as well as contentment and communication within the flock.
2. Grunting: Pigeons make grunting sounds when they are scared or afraid. Gruting is deeper and rougher than cooing, and it also signifies aggression or dominance. 
3. Squeaking: Pigeons make high-pitched squeaking sounds to indicate distress, discomfort, or fear. A squeaking sound is also an indication of an alarm of facing a potential threat.
4. Hissing (by baby pigeons): Squabs, aka  Baby pigeons, make a hissing sound when they feel threatened or uncomfortable. It is typically their defense mechanism to deter potential predators and signal their need for protection.
5. Whistling sound (during a fight): Some pigeons make a whistling sound when they are engaged in a fight or confrontation with other pigeons. Whistling is a sign of aggression and serves as a warning to rivals or competitors.
6. Thump or stomp sound (while threatened): Some pigeons may create a thump or stomp sound with their feet when threatened or perceives danger. This sound is also produced by the flapping of wings signaling its readiness to defend.

Summary

Different types of sounds and noises reflect the complex vocal repertoire of pigeons. However, if you hear a lot of cooing around your house, do check for pigeon infestation. Pigeons around you/ your house aren’t likely to fly anytime soon.